Agenda Profile: Rain Epler
What is the prime minister’s big plan for Estonia?
2025-03-19
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, press briefing.
Political Position
The Prime Minister is facing criticism for extreme instability and the absence of a cohesive grand strategy aimed at Estonia, behaving, in the view of opponents, like a "weather vane." The primary concerns involve the swift changes to energy policy directions (offshore wind) and the components of the security tax. Opponents characterize the PM as a political technologist who bases decisions on approval ratings rather than on vision.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The Prime Minister initially cited specific data regarding energy, such as the comparison showing a return of almost 2 euros for every 1 euro invested in offshore wind, but later distanced himself from these figures, labeling them "number magic." He also demonstrated knowledge of the specifics of the security tax, mentioning the taxation of income starting from the first euro and the taxation of corporate profits.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The Prime Minister's style is considered erratic and pompous, especially when making grand promises (such as 5% defense spending). He is accused of using vague or absurd phrases to sidestep complex calculations, behaving like a "weather vane" without any clear vision.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The Prime Minister’s operational patterns involve frequent public statements (such as those made on Vikerraadio in August) that are subsequently changed or retracted within a short timeframe. This suggests a political rhythm where major plans are introduced only to be quickly abandoned, as seen, for instance, with the components of the security tax.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Insufficient data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Insufficient data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is at the national level, addressing Estonia's economy, security, and principles of governance. The international context is also mentioned, through a comparison of the economic cycles of neighboring countries and the concept of a China-style surveillance state.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Previously, the Prime Minister supported broad-based taxation (income tax starting from the first euro and corporate profits) as part of a security tax framework, though she later abandoned the plan, and no cuts were made. She seems to believe that economic improvement stems more from cyclical factors and the situation of neighboring countries than from direct government intervention.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The Prime Minister expressed a desire to create "a modern state of free citizens," but this vision is coupled with concerns regarding excessive state control and surveillance. Opponents compare this approach to building a "China-style overly controlling state," where every citizen is monitored by a camera.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main priorities have been the introduction of a security tax and the procurement of military ammunition, although both plans were subsequently canceled or modified. Currently, the focus is on raising defense spending to the 5% level, which the Prime Minister calls an "historic decision."
2 Speeches Analyzed